Despite lockdowns been implemented in most African states, there has been a continuous rise in infection rates as well as a persistent decline in economic activities which has seen many responsive governments initiate social welfare relief packages.
Lockdowns in Africa without an exit strategy is not sustainable and could eventually have a retrogressive impact on the general health and economic well-being of states.
SOUTH AFRICA’S EXIT STRATEGY
South Africa initiated an exit strategy that will come into effect May 1st, 2020. These strategies comprise of 5 levels of alert systems that will inform the government on what risk adjustment measures to be taken.
In a statement issued by the South African Government, President Ramaphosa said; “Level 5 means that drastic measures are required to contain the spread of the virus to save lives”.
“Level 4 means that some activity can be allowed to resume subject to extreme precautions required to limit community transmission and outbreaks”.
“Level 3 involves the easing of some restrictions, including on work and social activities, to address a high risk of transmission”.
“Level 2 involves the further easing of restrictions, but the maintenance of physical distancing and restrictions on some leisure and social activities to prevent a resurgence of the virus”.
“Level 1 means that most normal activity can resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times”.
These levels will be implemented in such a way that at all times different alert levels could be in place in different parts of the country to ensure a targeted response to this global health pandemic.
President Ramaphosa clarified the present alert level in place when he said “We are currently at Level 5, which requires a full national lockdown to contain the spread of the virus”. This is the highest level of lockdown and was imposed when drastic action was necessary to curb transmission”.
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